Metamorphosis is the ultimate can of worms. Based on Franz Kafka’s short story of the same name, it’s a timeless tale of incongruence between flawless exteriors and interior cesspools.
Just like today, families are impacted by a member's gross transformation, be it mental illness, substance abuse or turning into a fly. This particular adaptation taps into that universal wellspring of shame and denial while managing to be at times, hilarious.
Madeline H.D. Brown and Megan Trout are fantastic in their roles as mother/daughter and Stepford Wives precursors. Their rote routines of domestic bliss and plastered smiles are not unlike their modern day sister--Orange County Housewife ”my husband is my king” Alexis. The two remain resolutely creepy to the end.
Alexander Crowther (Gregor) dazzles as he lurks and lunges on the inventive (and very cool) semi-vertical set.
Trout, though, steals the show as sister Grete. She’s dancing as fast as she can, but it’s not enough to stop her beloved brother’s inevitable slide. She too, changes as family dynamics shift. Hint: it’s not pretty.
Director Mark Jackson has tackled dysfunctional families at the Aurora, most recently Strindberg’s Miss Julie. He does it again with Metamorphosis, using a deft hand to unfold the story while allowing the audience a chance to project their own horrors onto the proceedings.
Metamorphosis is a great “date” or group play--short (75 minutes/no intermission) with lots to discuss over coffee or cocktails.
It’s also the perfect play for anyone who slept through college lit classes and can’t properly use “Kafka-esque” in a sentence. Here’s a chance to catch up and see what Kafka did best--shining a light on the cockroaches to force a confrontation with our deepest nightmares.
Running now through July 17, tix available here.
right: Gregor (front, Alexander Crowther) runs from his father (r. Allen McKelvey*) as his sister Grete and mother (c. l-r, Megan Trout, Madeline H.D. Brown) look on in Metamorphosis
left: Grete (c. Megan Trout) dances for houseguest Mr. Fischer (seated, Patrick Jones*) as her parents (back l-r, Allen McKelvey,* Madeline H.D. Brown) watch and Gregor (top, Alexander Crowther) listens from his room in Metamorphosis
photos by David Allen
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